Fig. 2: PUM1-TRAF3 expression elevates NIK expression and activates non-canonical NF-κB pathway.

a Diagram of full-length PUM1, TRAF3, and PUM1-TRAF3(PT) fusion constructs. b PUM1-TRAF3 expression enhanced cell proliferation by 69.06 ± 1.90% (p < 0.001) in SNU1196 cells and by 26.88 ± 0.77% (***p < 0.001) in SNU308 cells. Data presented as mean ± S.D. c PUM1-TRAF3 expression elevates NIK and non-canonical NF-κB pathway associated proteins. The protein expression was assessed by area (***p < 0.001). Data presented as mean ± S.D. d PUM1-TRAF3-induced NF-κB activation results in the translocation of NF-κB2(p52) and RelB (C, cytoplasmic fraction; N, nucleic fraction). The protein expression was assessed by area (***p < 0.001). Data presented as mean ± S.D. e PUM1-TRAF3 interacts NIK: Protein-protein interactions among NIK, TRAF3, and truncated TRAF3 from PUM1-TRAF3 were assessed in 1196PT via immunoprecipitation. f PUM1-TRAF3 interacts TRAF2, TRAF3, and NIK: Protein-protein interactions among NIK, TRAF2, TRAF3, and PUM1 were assessed in 1196C and 1196PT via immunoprecipitation (IP, immunoprecipitation; IB, immunoblot). g Diagram of full-length TRAF3, and partial TRAF3 constructs. h TRAF3 tail (TT)-transfected cells elevates NIK expression. Analysis NIK expression of partial TRAF3-transfected cell proteins (CV, control vector; TH, TRAF3 head; TT, TRAF3 tail). The protein expression was assessed by area (***p < 0.001). Data presented as mean ± S.D. i TRAF3 tail (TT)-transfected cells enhance the translocation of NF-κB2 (p52) and RelB (C, cytoplasmic fraction; N, nucleic fraction). The protein expression was assessed by area (**p < 0.01; ***p < 0.001). Data presented as mean ± S.D.